A Childhood Delight Reimagined
Have you ever wondered how a particular food can transport you back to your childhood? For me, that food is Bubble Gum Ice Cream with its delightful bubblegum pieces. Allow me to take you on a journey down memory lane.
The Anticipation of Ice Cream
As a child, going to the movies was always a special treat. But what made it even more exciting was when we went to the theater across town, which had an ice cream parlor right next door. The mere possibility of indulging in a variety of ice cream flavors filled me with anticipation. I vividly recall eagerly peering out the window, hoping that we were headed toward that particular theater. The sight of the long freezer case filled with a rainbow of ice cream flavors felt like a dream come true. That moment of certainty, knowing we were going to the right theater, was pure bliss.
A Sweet Reward
If my parents were willing to drive all the way across town, it meant that a stop at the ice cream parlor on the way home was inevitable. It was a win-win situation in my young mind. I would slowly survey the case, contemplating whether to try Rocky Road or Butter Pecan. However, deep down, I always knew that my choice would be Bubble Gum Ice Cream.
This sweet, creamy treat was a delight to savor. The ice cream itself tasted just like bubble gum, and the experience was heightened by the presence of rock-hard gumballs that you could scoop around. The bottom of the cup held a treasure trove of partially-thawed gumballs, each one a surprise. How many would there be? What colors would they come in? And the best part was that while everyone else finished their treat, you could continue enjoying your giant wad of bubble gum. Ah, the simple joys of childhood.
A Dream Come True for Bubble Gum Lovers
Although I don’t often indulge in bubble gum ice cream these days, the very idea of it still brings a smile to my face. So, when I recently made a batch for my little ones, their pure joy was contagious. Picture their faces lighting up when they learned that their after-school snack was Bubble Gum Ice Cream instead of the usual apples and almond butter.
What sets this particular version apart is that the ice cream base itself is infused with the delicious flavor of bubble gum. (You could technically skip the gumballs, but why would you?) Instead of using artificial bubble gum extract, I chose to incorporate real bubble gum pieces into the base. As the warm ice cream base melted the gum, it released its sugar, flavor, and even some of its color. After cooling in the fridge, the ice cream base was strained to remove any residual gum, resulting in a smooth texture and a nostalgic taste.
In this batch, I carefully handpicked red, white, and pink gumballs to create a fun Valentine surprise!
How to Make Pink Bubblegum Ice Cream
What You’ll Need
- Half & Half
- Heavy Cream
- Granulated Sugar
- Egg Yolks (save the egg whites for Angel’s Food Cake)
- Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Red Food Coloring (optional, as the mixture can turn into a light pink color with the gum)
- Pink Bubblegum Dubble Bubble
- Small Gum Balls (optional, mainly for decorating)
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients, except the gums, over medium heat until the egg yolks are well combined.
- Add pieces of pink Dubble Bubble bubble gum and bring the mixture to a light boil. Whisk until the gum softens and the base thickens.
- Remove from heat, cover, and refrigerate until completely cold. Ideally, let it chill for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Before pouring the ice cream gum base into the frozen bowl of an ice cream maker, place a paper towel in a colander and strain the base to remove any gum particles.
- Pour the base into the ice cream maker and churn for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Once frozen, add the gumballs.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
All the nostalgia of your childhood wrapped up in a single bowl of ice cream, with the added bonus of a little protein!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I clean the pot of the bubble gum residue?
Boiling water in the dirty pot should cause the residue to float to the top, making it easier to clean.
Where did this ice cream flavor originate?
Back in 1970, Baskin-Robbins crafted a vanilla base with bubblegum flavor and bubblegum candy pieces as a tribute to all the bubblegum lovers out there. They hoped it would become an American favorite flavor.
Remember, Ice Cream is more than just a frozen treat. It’s a nostalgic experience that brings joy to people of all ages. So, why not indulge in the whimsical delight of Bubble Gum Flavored Ice Cream? Treat yourself to this unique blend of flavors and relive the carefree days of your childhood.
Click here to discover more delightful ice cream flavors and find your nearest Ice Cream parlor.
